Eknath Shinde Takes Oath As Maharashtra Chief Minister, Fadnavis Sworn In As Deputy CM

Rebel Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde and Devendra Fadnavis took oath as the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, respectively, ending the week-long political uncertainty that hit the state.

Maharashtra Govermor Bhagat Singh Koshyari administered oath of office to them in a simple ceremony at the Raj Bhavan in Mumbai.

“This is the victory of the ideology of Balasaheb Thackeray and 'Dharmaveer' Anand Dighe. Our government will work in the interest of the general people and for the development of the state,” CM Eknath Shinde after taking oath.

In a dramatic development that unfolded minutes before the swearing in ceremony at the Raj Bhavan, the BJP high command requested Fadnavis to assume charge as the Deputy CM. Fadnavis had earlier indicated that he will be staying out of the government.

BJP president Nadda said “Devendra Fadnavis has shown big heart and decided to join new Maharashtra cabinet.” Nadda further stated that “It has been proved that BJP never had desire for CM’s post, Uddhav Thackeray left us for greed of this post.”

Union Home Minister Amit Shah congratulated Fadnavis on his decision to join the Maharashtra Cabinet on Twitter.

Addressing the media along with Shinde soon after meeting with Governor Koshyari to stake claim to form government, Fadnavis announced that Shinde will the chief minister of the new state governmen. He also said that while BJP will be part of the Cabinet, he will not hold any ministerial position.

Earlier in the day, the duo met Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari at Raj Bhawan to stake claim to form the government. Fadnavis said the Shiv Sena, by joining hands with the Congress and the NCP in 2019 to overthrow BJP, had insulted the public mandate. Uddhav Thackeray stepped down as Maharashtra CM on Wednesday night, following a rebellion in his own party and realising that he will not be able to prove majority on the floor of Assembly.